The Rise of Ethically-Sourced Pet Food: How to Feed Your Pet and Save the Planet
Traditional pet food production has a considerable environmental footprint, particularly due to its use of meat-based products. In the US alone, over 163 million dogs and cats consume animal products as a significant part of their diet, but this only further contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, and land use. Like human food production, the pet food industry strains natural resources and contributes to environmental degradation.
“When you purchase ZIWI®, you promote sustainable and ethical farming practices,” notes Jessica Krueger, the brand’s Senior Marketing Manager. “Here at ZIWI, we ethically source all of the ingredients in our PeakPrey® recipes just like your dog or cat would do in the wild. This has been our driving force from the beginning and ensures that both your pet and your planet can thrive.”
The benefits of ethically-sourced pet food
ZIWI’s pet foods have a lower environmental impact, which the company achieves by using ethically-sourced ingredients and prioritizing locally sourced components to reduce transportation emissions. “All of the animals ethically sourced by our farmers and fishers come from right here in beautiful New Zealand,” explains Krueger. “We source wild-caught seafood, free-range poultry, and grass-fed cattle, venison, and lamb.”
By choosing a brand that favors diversity in its ingredient sourcing, consumers support farming practices that promote biodiversity. Unlike monocultures and mega-farms that harm ecosystems, diverse agricultural practices encourage a healthy balance in nature.
Where ZIWI acquires its protein-rich ingredients for dogs and fish oil for cats
ZIWI’s dedicated farms and fisheries raise their animals with care, sharing the brand’s commitment to animal welfare. Each animal enjoys the freedom to act with its wild instincts and live a life free of hunger, thirst, pain, fear, discomfort, or distress.
New Zealand’s mild climate allows animals to roam the country's lush fields and verdant hills every season. Cows and sheep graze pastures of native grasses and clover, while free-range chickens run and stretch their wings, and wild-caught fish and ethically farmed green mussels thrive in the pristine seas that surround the island. In short, New Zealand is ideally suited to nurturing all of the animals sourced for ZIWI’s beef, lamb, venison, chicken, and fish.
“If you don’t look after the animals, for me, there’s just very little point in farming,” says Toby, one of ZIWI’s providers, whose family’s legacy of raising mutton in Turihaua stretches back to 1896. Like ZIWI’s consumers, Toby sees himself as a protector of the land and the animals in his care.
Another ZIWI provider, Brian, farms in Tokomaru Bay, where his unfenced goats can graze where they choose and remain protected by the countryside’s abundant vegetation. In his words, “We look after the animals and the land for the next generation.”
In New Zealand’s picturesque hill country, John tends a herd of free-range deer for ZIWI. The rolling terrain is ideal for providing John’s herd with all of the open spaces, gentle hills, and natural cover deer seek in their natural environment. Unconfined, his deer roam contentedly. John’s philosophy is simple, “If you look after your livestock, they’ll look after you.”
Robert, another of ZIWI’s providers, raises many of the free-range lambs the brand uses and cautions that no one can afford to be wasteful when the planet's resources are running out. Sheltered in the shadow of enormous boulders, his sheep graze across the countryside’s rich habitat of tussocks, hills, and gullies.
Finally, Rob lets his free-range chickens into grassy meadows each morning before sunrise. While the hens primarily forage for themselves, Rob occasionally supplements their diet with New Zealand green mussels — a mainstay ZIWI ingredient and a healthy treat. “If you see the benefits, not just for yourself but the animals you farm and those who eat your produce, it’s a good life,” Rob says about his sustainable farming practices.
ZIWI consumers can trust that the brand prioritizes not only the planet's health but also that of the planet’s pets, which means no artificial additives and only high-quality, natural ingredients. Every recipe features nutritionally rich components that are highly beneficial for your pet's health.
How to transition to ethically-sourced pet food
Consumers must do their research when transitioning to sustainable pet food, as not all products marketed as “sustainable” live up to their claims, meaning they must review ingredients, sourcing practices, and the brand's overall commitment to sustainability. They must also look for certifications and endorsements from reputable environmental organizations.
Additionally, consumers should make an effort to support environmentally conscious, small-scale farmers like ZIWI’s providers. Local and organic producers often adhere to more sustainable practices than their large-scale counterparts, and purchasing from them not only helps reduce transportation emissions but also supports local economies.
Lastly, consumers will want to educate themselves and raise awareness because the more they learn about sustainable pet diets and their benefits, the more they can educate others. Sharing knowledge and experiences can inspire more pet owners to make the switch.
The rise of sustainable pet food reflects a broader societal shift towards environmental stewardship and mindful consumption. “By choosing eco-friendly options for our pets, we can contribute to a more sustainable and compassionate world,” Krueger concludes. “The journey towards sustainable pet feeding practices is a shared one, demanding collective effort and continuous learning. Together with other environmentally-conscious pet owners, you can make a substantial difference in reducing the environmental pawprint left behind by the planet’s beloved animals.”
